Walmart To Launch Clinical Research Sites In Shuttered Health Clinics

Core Insights - Walmart is launching clinical research sites in select stores and former health clinic locations to enhance access to clinical trials, particularly in rural areas [2][3][4] - The initiative is a partnership with Care Access, aiming to reduce barriers to participation in clinical research [4][5] - The move aligns with a national effort to improve diversity in clinical trials and patient health outcomes by enrolling underrepresented populations [6][9] Company Strategy - Walmart plans to open new research sites in three former Walmart Health locations and one rural store, although specific locations are yet to be finalized [4] - The company aims to transform familiar spaces into research engagement sites, making it easier for local communities to participate in studies [5] - Walmart's Chief Medical Officer emphasized the importance of local access to research opportunities, which can lead to new treatments and care [5] Industry Context - The expansion of clinical trials is being observed across various healthcare sectors, including retail pharmacies like Walgreens [7] - There is a growing demand for diverse populations in clinical research, as new drugs increasingly target specific demographics [8] - The FDA has recognized the underrepresentation of racial and ethnic minorities in biomedical research, prompting initiatives to improve diversity in clinical trials [9]